Qantas, Virgin to ban use of power banks on planes after spate of fires
Passengers on Australia’s major airlines will face new rules on the use of power banks, as Virgin, Qantas and Jetstar update their guidelines starting next month.
The move comes as safety concerns over the use of the devices has prompted airlines and regulators to act.
Starting on December 1, passengers on Virgin Australia will not be able to use power banks – the small, self-contained battery packs used to charge phones and other devices – on flights. Starting on December 15, Qantas has announced the same restrictions in tandem with Virgin, which will affect Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar planes.
Passengers on Australia’s major airlines will face new rules on the use of power banks, as Virgin, Qantas and Jetstar update their guidelines.Credit: Getty Images
While passengers can still carry “power banks, spare batteries and small portable electronic devices” they must “be easily accessible throughout the flight”.
Virgin and Qantas airlines will also limit the number of power banks passengers can carry to two.
“Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travellers, and while these items are generally safe when packed and handled appropriately, this move will minimise any potential risks associated with these devices,” said Virgin Australia chief operations officer Chris Snook. The changes for Virgin will be effective on December 1.
A fire breaks out on a Virgin flight.Credit: Credit: Pulse Tasmania.
Awareness of power bank risks on flights has risen as more cases of the devices overheating and catching fire emerge and are documented.
Virgin says it has in-seat charging ports in 88 per cent of its Boeing 737 fleet, with the remainder to be equipped by June 2026. All of Virgin Australia’s new Embraer 190-E2 aircraft have in-seat chargers.
